The Lower Schuylkill Master Plan Executive Summary

THE LOWER SCHUYLKILL

MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Lower Schuylkill Master Plan envisions a 21st Century industrial district that integrates exciting opportunities for new and growing businesses with sustainable features and compelling public amenities.

OVERVIEW

In 2010, the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), the Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC), and the Philadelphia Department of Commerce released the Industrial Land & Market Strategy for the City of Philadelphia, a comprehensive study that inventoried all of the industrial land in Philadelphia and found a critical shortage of modern industrial sites. Based on its size, industrial character, transportation assets, and proximity to economic engines, the Lower Schuylkill was identified as a prime opportunity to satisfy this need. Philadelphia2035 echoed this conclusion.

Key Investments 1. New River Road linking planned Innovation District to University City 2. Publicly accessible riverfront trail and greenspace 3. Integrated, districtwide stormwater management system 4. Distinct gateways and campus features 5. Upgraded bicycle and pedestrian amenities

An inclusive planning initiative led by PIDC, PCPC and the Department of Commerce, with generous support from the William Penn Foundation, developed a long-term blueprint for revitalization, recommending targeted public investments in roads, the environment, and public amenities to attract a diverse array of new and growing businesses. These investments are projected to attract over $860M in private investment and up to 6,500 new jobs, while establishing an integrated green network with five miles of new trails and 46 acres of new green space.

KEY FIGURES OF THE LOWER SCHUYLKILL MASTER PLAN 3,700 acres

Permanent Jobs

5,500–6,500

5.5M–6.6M SF

Economic Impact (City & State)

$63B

Public Infrastructure Investment

$411M

Private Investment Leveraged

$860M

Greened Space

46 acres

Trails Created

5 miles

Size Development Capacity

*Projected values. Source: NBBJ, HR&A Advisors

THREE CAMPUS VISION

ENERGY CORRIDOR

LOGISTICS HUB

INNOVATION DISTRICT

New “River Road”

Approaching the Lower Schuylkill as three distinct campuses creates diverse opportunities for growth, while allowing the Master Plan to customize interventions to the specific needs of each area. A new River Road on the west bank will connect the planned Innovation District directly to University City and provide much-needed public river access. Distinct gateways, enhanced roadways, public amenities, and green stormwater features will position the three campuses as modern, competitive locations for Philadelphia’s growing business sectors.

The Innovation District is envisioned as a vibrant, green campus for research and development, advanced and artisanal manufacturing, institutional growth, and other high-quality uses. A new River Road will link directly to University City, while an accessible public riverfront and a green makeover will transform this overlooked area into a compelling destination for businesses and residents alike.

The Logistics Hub is envisioned as a highly competitive center for distribution, warehousing, and manufacturing, with superior connections to Philadelphia’s expanding international airport, two interstate highways, and a dense regional population. Strengthening the commercial spine along Essington Avenue, improving connections, and supporting new business clusters will set the stage for enhanced growth.

The Energy Corridor is envisioned as a national hub for energy production and distribution, leveraging superior rail, highway, and port assets. Preserving the integrity of the campus maximizes growth opportunities, while enhancing its perimeter improves key gateways and access routes.

Assets > Small to midsize parcels (3–20 acres) > Significant public ownership > Penn’s South Bank campus > Limited residential > 5–10 minutes from University City

> Two national historic sites: The Woodlands and Bartram’s Garden > Riverfront parcels > Views of Center City

Assets > Mid- to large-size parcels > Recent development (13 – 90 acres) momentum with USPS and the > Proximity to Philadelphia Philadelphia Wholesale International Airport Produce Market > Strong connections to I-95 and I-76 > Distribution and warehouse uses > Eastwick Industrial Park

Assets > Primarily large parcels (30+ acres) > Some public ownership > Active oil refinery and natural gas facilities > CSX Transflo Yard > Marine facilities > High-value industrial infrastructure

> Existing energy hub with capacity for growth and diversification > Excellent pipeline access > Access to port, rail, and highways

IMPLEMENTATION Focusing early implementation efforts on key sites within the Innovation District will spur redevelopment and establish a high-quality precedent for future growth. Subsequent phases will support growth and expansion within the Logistics Hub and Energy Corridor. The following projects are already underway: 1 GRAY’S FERRY BRIDGE UPGRADES PennDOT bridge upgrades slated for 2015-2016, include bicycle/pedestrian features to better connect the east and west sides of the Innovation District, while providing an interim link between the Schuylkill Banks trail and its planned extension on the west bank.

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2

2 PENN’S SOUTH BANK CAMPUS New investment and planning are transforming this 23 acre former industrial site into a vibrant, mixed-use campus featuring cutting-edge innovation, the next generation of entrepreneurs and expanded institutional activity. Early efforts are underway to establish a distinctive Innovation District gateway at 34th and Grays Ferry Avenue.

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3 BARTRAM’S NORTH & SOUTH These riverfront sites, many with skyline views, present some of the most promising redevelopment opportunities in the Lower Schuylkill. Environmental remediation is underway on several publicly-owned parcels Strategic public investments in access, infrastructure and amenities, coupled with high-quality redevelopment of publicly owned sites, will establish a strong foundation to attract private investment and development.

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3

4 PHILADELPHIA ENERGY SOLUTIONS’ REVITALIZED ENERGY COMPLEX Speedy new rail facilities are transforming the nation’s oldest continuously-operating oil refinery into a modern, competitive facility with new opportunities for growth and diversification.

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5 BARTRAM’S MILE Design and planning are already underway to extend the popular Schuylkill Banks recreation trail to the west bank of the Innovation District, between the Grays Ferry Bridge and 58th Street. The result will be a striking, one mile stretch of new trail showcasing the river and Bartram’s Garden, as well as providing dedicated public river access to adjacent communities.

LOWER SCHUYLKILL MASTER PLAN

Executive Summary May 2013

THE LOWER SCHUYLKILL

Center City University City GRAYS FERRY

MASTER PLAN

SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA

Strategic public infrastructure investments

THE LOWER SCHUYLKILL

th St

The Navy Yard

th St

Ferry A ve

34th S t

49 Grays

EASTWICK

Philadelphia International Airport

Bartram’s North

Chapter Info Bar

G

ra

ys

Wharto

e Av

n St

Innovation district New Development Capacity

56

6

th

St

I-7

58

th

St

Bartram’s South lvd hB erg

rd

db

63 St

Lin

$230M

Private Investment

$420M 2,800–3,300

New Annual Tax Revenue

$13M

Total Economic Impact

$33B

Projected Values, HR&A Advisors

61

st

St

Logistics hub

e k Av n u y s

New Development Capacity

th

2.4M–2.8M SF

Infrastructure Cost

New Jobs

Pas

67

76 95

47

are essential to reconnect the Lower Schuylkill and unlock its potential as a competitive 21st century industrial district.

Dedicated public river access and new amenities will attract new users and energize the campuses

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

St

3.1M–3.8M SF

Infrastructure Cost

$181M

Private Investment

$340M

New Jobs

2,500–3,000

26th St

70 th

$12M

Total Economic Impact

$30B

Projected Values, HR&A Advisors

t o n Av e

St

New Annual Tax Revenue

Islan

Essing

Energy Corridor

e d Av

Developable Acres

320 Acres

Private Investment

$100M+

New Jobs

Projected Values, HR&A Advisors

200+

Proposed Amenities + Green Space

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rt Ba

ram

Av

e

5

Existing Schuylkill Banks Trail Planned Schuylkill Banks Trail Extension Long term Schuylkill Banks Trail Extension Green Stormwater Infrastructure Green Space

Proposed “River Road” Long term “River Road” Extension

New Green Space New Trails Proposed Green Stormwater Management Infrastructure

46 Acres 5 Miles 80 Acres

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE LOWER SCHUYLKILL MASTER PLAN PLEASE CONTACT: Email: lsmp@pidc-pa.org Phone: 215-496-8020